Texas creates program to discourage distracted driving

A report from the Texas Department of Transportation noted that the state witnessed a drop in automotive crashes and fatalities, but distracted driving is still elevated.

Close to 25 percent of car crashes in The Lone Star State during 2011 involved a distracted driver, the report noted. More specifically, close to 81,000 crashes occurred with driver distraction as a cause. In total, 361 of these crashes turned out to be fatal.

"We're encouraged that the numbers are slightly lower, but distractions behind the wheel are still causing thousands of crashes each year," said Carol Rawson, TxDOT's traffic operations division director. "No text or phone call is worth your life or the life of anyone else."

While many Americans may be safe behind the wheel, irresponsible driving practices can put others at risk. In order to make sure a driver is sufficiently protected, it could be a good plan to compare auto insurance quotes. There are many affordable auto insurance rates online, and the plan could be form-fit to a person's needs.